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U.S. Markets Edge Higher Amid Government Shutdown and Anticipation of Fed’s Next Move
Aehr TestAehr Test(US:AEHR) Stock Market News·2025-10-06 10:07

Market Overview - U.S. stock markets are showing a cautiously optimistic start to the week, with futures pointing higher despite the ongoing government shutdown, which has now entered its sixth day [1] - Investors are navigating a landscape marked by delayed economic data, anticipation of Federal Reserve policy decisions, and a flurry of corporate news [1] Premarket Activity and Index Futures - U.S. stock index futures are posting gains, with Nasdaq futures leading the advance; S&P 500 futures are up approximately 0.3% to 0.45%, Nasdaq 100 futures have climbed between 0.5% and 0.50%, and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures are rising around 0.2% to 0.26% [2] - Last week, all three major indices reached fresh record highs, with the S&P 500 and Dow both advancing around 1.1%, and the Nasdaq climbing 1.32% for the week [2] Major Market Indexes Performance and Trends - The S&P 500 is currently trading near its all-time high of 6754.26 points, having climbed 3.82% over the past month and 18.38% compared to the same time last year [3] - The Nasdaq Composite is in a rising trend channel, signaling increasing optimism, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average also shows strong development within a rising trend channel [3] - Positive sentiment is largely attributed to a "risk-on" trade around artificial intelligence (AI) and expectations of accommodative monetary policy [3] Upcoming Market Events - Key events this week include the release of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes on October 8, which will provide insights into the Federal Reserve's thinking following its September meeting [4] - The Fed is widely expected to cut rates again at its next meeting on October 28-29, potentially bringing the Federal Funds rate to a range of 3.75% to 4% [4] Economic Data Releases - Important economic data releases this week include consumer credit data on October 7 and the preliminary University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment index on October 10 [5] Earnings Season - The third-quarter earnings season is set to begin, with major banking giants such as JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo among the first to report [6] - Several companies are scheduled to release earnings on October 6, including Constellation Brands, VinFast, and others [6] Major Stock News and Developments - Tesla has teased a possible new model ahead of an October 7 reveal, following strong vehicle delivery figures [11] - Apple saw its stock fall in premarket trading after a downgrade by Jefferies, citing overly high expectations for the forthcoming foldable iPhone [11] - Applied Materials announced that new U.S. export rules would reduce its fourth-quarter revenue and its 2026 revenue outlook [11] - Boeing may face further delays in the commercial service of its 777X aircraft, potentially pushing it back to 2027 [11] - Palantir Technologies' shares sank following a report indicating security problems in a new battlefield communications network [11] - Nvidia continues to be recognized as the best-performing stock in the S&P 500 over the last 10, 15, and 20 years [11] - Quantum Computing Inc. plans to utilize proceeds from a new offering to fund its commercialization efforts [11] - Firefly Aerospace's stock jumped after announcing a strategic acquisition of SciTec, Inc. [11] - Nikon Corporation announced a change in its major shareholder, with EssilorLuxottica increasing its stake to up to 20% [11] - Rio Tinto is set to roll out new technology in its pursuit of more metals, indicating strategic investments in operational efficiency [11]